Oct. 25 -- Volleyball takes the spotlight in college sports next week. UW-La Crosse and Viterbo will both be playing meaningful conference matches with the intent of going long into November.

The Eagles (21-8) are ranked 17th in the NCAA Division III coaches' poll. They host Stevens Point at 7 p.m. Tuesday in a WIAC Tournament first-round match. UW-L is seeded fourth and the Pointers are fifth.

Senior outside hitter Katelyn Carlson is third in the conference in kills (3.73 kpg.) and the Eagles--as usual--are the WIAC's top defensive team with 21.28 digs per game.

Meanwhile, Viterbo's program continues its renaissance under coach Ryan DeLong. Last season, the V-Hawks finished with their best record in 16 years (30-15). Viterbo (27-9) hosts Clarke College at 7 p.m. Wednesday and can win a share of its MCC title outright since 1990 with a win. The V-Hawks are ranked fourth in NAIA Region VII. Lanesboro, Minn., native Missy Glenna, who was on Viterbo's 2004-05 MCC championship basketball team before switching to volleyball, leads the team in kills (2.93 kpg.) and digs (4.25 dpg.).

UW-L volleyball home page: http://www.uwlax.edu/athletics/wvolleyball/

Viterbo volleyball home page: http://www.viterbo.edu/vball.aspx